A map is a scaled two dimensional representation of a portion of the Earth's surface. The map makers choose a scaling factor (or shrinkage factor) that allows them to fit the area of interest on a chosen piece of paper. The map scale is usually represented by a ratio or fraction, such as 1:10, or 1:100000 or 1:62,500.

Cartoon aerial view of the Bumluck area of central Utah with a scaled map. Click on either image to expand.

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